Comparative Analysis of Traditional Medicine Systems During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for global health systems, driving interest in exploring complementary approaches, including traditional medicine systems. Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy (AYUSH) have long been used for health management, but their roles during the pandemic require systematic evaluation.Purpose This study aims to examine the preventive and therapeutic contributions of AYUSH systems in addressing COVID-19, focusing on their integration with conventional medical approaches to enhance immunity, manage symptoms and promote recovery.Materials and Methods A literature review was conducted to analyze existing studies, reports and clinical findings on the use of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from peer-reviewed articles, government guidelines and case studies to evaluate the interventions and their outcomes.Results Findings reveal that AYUSH systems offered complementary strategies for COVID-19 management. Key contributions included: Immune system enhancement through herbal formulations and dietary recommendations. Symptom relief via traditional remedies for fever, respiratory distress and fatigue and holistic recovery through mind-body approaches like yoga and meditation. However, limitations such as a lack of large-scale clinical trials and standardized protocols were noted, reducing the scope for universal application.Conclusion AYUSH systems provided valuable complementary approaches during the pandemic, emphasizing prevention and holistic recovery. While promising, their integration into mainstream healthcare necessitates robust clinical trials to establish evidence-based practices and ensure broader acceptability.